How to Rename a Printer in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Renaming a printer in Windows 10 is pretty straightforward. You just need to navigate through your settings and find the right options to change the printer’s name. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can personalize your printer’s name easily.

How to Rename a Printer in Windows 10

In this section, you’ll learn the detailed steps to rename a printer in Windows 10. By the end of these steps, you’ll have successfully changed the name of your printer to something that suits you better.

Step 1: Open Settings

The first step is to open the Settings app.

You can do this by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon, or by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard. This will open the Settings window where you can access various system settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Devices

Next, you need to click on the "Devices" option.

In the Settings window, "Devices" is where you manage all hardware connected to your computer, including printers. This section allows you to add, remove, and manage devices.

Step 3: Select Printers & Scanners

After selecting Devices, click on "Printers & scanners" on the left-hand menu.

Here you’ll find a list of all printers and scanners currently installed on your computer. This is the area where you can manage printer settings, including renaming them.

Step 4: Choose Your Printer

Find the printer you want to rename and click on it.

Selecting your printer will expand its options and reveal a "Manage" button. This "Manage" button takes you to a more detailed settings screen for the specific printer.

Step 5: Click Manage

After selecting your printer, click the "Manage" button.

The "Manage" button leads you to the printer management screen, where you have multiple options like checking printer status, viewing print queues, and accessing printer properties.

Step 6: Open Printer Properties

In the printer management screen, click on "Printer properties."

The Printer Properties window contains several tabs with different settings for your printer. This is where you will find the option to rename your printer.

Step 7: Rename the Printer

In the Printer Properties window, find the text box containing your printer’s name and change it to your desired name.

Simply click into the text box, delete the old name, and type in the new name you want for your printer. Then, click "Apply" to save the change.

After completing these steps, your printer will now have the new name you assigned. It will show up with this name in your list of devices and in any application where you need to select a printer.

Tips for Renaming a Printer in Windows 10

  • Make the name descriptive, especially if you have multiple printers. Names like "Office Printer" or "Living Room Printer" can be very helpful.
  • Avoid using special characters in the printer name. Stick to letters and numbers to ensure compatibility.
  • If you can’t find your printer in Devices, make sure it’s properly connected and turned on.
  • Check for any updates for your printer drivers if you experience issues.
  • Restart your computer if the changes don’t appear immediately. Sometimes, a quick reboot can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I find my printer in the device list?

Ensure that your printer is turned on and connected to the same network as your computer. If it’s a USB printer, check the cable connection.

Can I rename a network printer?

Yes, you can. The steps are the same; just make sure you have administrative rights on the network.

Will renaming the printer affect its functionality?

No, renaming the printer will not affect how it works. It simply changes the name displayed in your system.

What if I have multiple users on my computer?

Renaming the printer will change the name for all users on the computer, not just your account.

Do I need to reinstall the printer after renaming it?

No, you don’t need to reinstall the printer. The rename action is a simple change and does not require reinstallation.

Summary

  1. Open Settings
  2. Navigate to Devices
  3. Select Printers & Scanners
  4. Choose Your Printer
  5. Click Manage
  6. Open Printer Properties
  7. Rename the Printer

Conclusion

Renaming a printer in Windows 10 is a simple task that can help you organize your devices better. This guide has shown you the step-by-step process, from opening the Settings app to successfully changing the printer’s name. It’s important to use a descriptive name to easily identify your printer, especially in a busy office or home environment with multiple devices.

After following the steps, you’ll notice that your printer’s new name appears everywhere it’s listed on your computer. This can help avoid confusion and streamline your printing tasks.

If you found this guide helpful, be sure to share it with others who might benefit from it. Also, feel free to explore more Windows 10 tips to enhance your computing experience!